Freelancer Josh Wolf to Be Freed After Turning Tape Over to Judge

Josh Wolf, a freelance video blogger, is expected to be freed from federal custody Tuesday after nearly 7 1/2 months imprisonment for not obeying a grand jury subpoena to turn over unpublished footage of San Francisco anarchist protest. Wolf, who spent more time behind bars protecting his source materials than any other American journalist in history, agreed to turn over the tape to a judge, who will likely then hand it over to the feds, something that may not even be necessary as Wolf posted the video on his blog.

A federal grand jury wanted the video as part of its investigation into the protest where a San Francisco police officer was hit on the head and a patrol car was damaged by a fire started by a styrofoam sign. The feds claimed jurisdiction because the squad car was paid for, in part, by federal funds. California has a state shield law for journalists, but the federal government does not.

According to a request for release form posted on the IndyBay website, Wolf also answered prosecutors’ questions and can be served with another subpoena in the future. Full Video. Wolf’s blog.